We are working with the media to obtain their rights, and the government has the right to play its honorable role, he underpins
By M.A. Egge
The Minister of Information, Culture and National Guidance Hon. Ahmed Yasin Sheikh Ali Ayanle has once again stated that the policy of the WADDANI administration government “which he is a part of, is one based on working towards flexibility, tolerance, unity and inclusiveness”.
He pointed out that inclusiveness and humane compassion is an indicated policy of the Head of State H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro.
The minister expressed the sentiments as he addressed a group of private media scribes, correspondents, journalists, and their representatives who met him on Tuesday.
While addressing the media, he said, “We, the political government led by the President, is a gentle, tolerant, inclusive, compassionate and welcoming persons of all segments of society”.
The meeting discussed how to establish good cooperation between the Ministry of Information and the independent media fraternity and how to focus on building the country and guiding society.
He undersigned on the need to find a way for the media to work freely in society and how to respect the government in its role and responsibility.
He pointed out, “Here we have had a valuable meeting today, we have had good rapport with each other, we have exchanged information, we have discussed everything that needs telling including advice and suggestions on the way forward”.
He noted that amongst the journalists were respectable people with a lot of experience and knowledge.
He continued pragmatically, “In fact, as a government, we are working with independent media, we are responsible for them, they have the right to access information, to be independent, and to have rules; they have the right, and the government has the right to play its honorable role, to allow its role to be respected, its responsibility to earn respect, cooperation, to discern what undermines security and be a role model in the society in a positive way.”
The minister further underscored the important role of the independent media in the country and how it needs to be protected from being used in the wrong way so that it does not harm the country and the people.
The presidential advisor on media affairs, Hamse Ali Bulbul, who attended the meeting, said that the President of Somaliland is keen on promoting democracy in Somaliland, and that the media should work with him in this regard.
In conclusion, members of the independent media who spoke at the meeting noted that it was important to have good cooperation between the ministry and the independent media. They thanked the Minister of Information for the informative meeting.
The chairman of MM TV, who was present at the meeting, pointed out that there is a need to find a policy for the media to work with and said, “The government needs a good policy that the media can work with, and we will not be part of instituting hate but we will be working with the government on that policy.”
Journalist Sagal Beeldeeq, who represented the Independent Media Women, pledged, “We promise to work with the new government.”